The No Film School Podcast

In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins welcomes back filmmaker Janek Ambros to dive deep into the wild origin and evolution of his second feature film, Mondo Hollywoodland. The conversation spans everything from a life-changing phone call with Francis Ford Coppola to the chaotic, experimental production process of an iPhone-shot psychedelic satire. Ambros shares how a rogue spirit, a skeleton crew, and the mantra "just make something" powered his creative journey. He also discusses the challenges of distribution, finding a cult audience, and why the edit room is his happy place. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Janek Ambros discuss... How Francis Ford Coppola inspired the DIY ethos behind Mondo Hollywoodland Why the film is more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel to the 1967 cult doc Mondo Hollywood The experimental, no-crew production process using an iPhone and real locations Casting friends and local oddballs to match the film’s bizarre, countercultural tone How the film’s editing and narrator shape its chaotic narrative Navigating COVID-era distribution and marketing challenges Ambros’s dual approach to career-building: make art, but also think commercially Why learning to produce is essential for emerging filmmakers Memorable Quotes: "You should just make a movie with your iPhone with your friends if you don’t have money." "We didn’t have a cinematographer. We have a camera op. That’s really it." "It was just totally the freest form of filmmaking." "Editing is definitely my favorite part of filmmaking. Everything else is a necessary evil just to edit." Guests: Janek Ambros Resources: More from NFS x Janek Screening Tickets – June 8, 6 p.m. at Lumineer Music Hall, Beverly Hills Mondo Hollywoodland on Letterboxd Assembly Line Entertainment on Instagram: @assemblylineent,  Mondo Hollywoodland on Instagram: @mondohollywoodland Janek on Twitter: @janekambros88 Assembly Line Entertainment on Twitter: @assemblylineent Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of the No Film School Podcast is a deep dive into the often opaque world of film finance, distribution, and foreign pre-sales. GG Hawkins hosts the episode and is joined by filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, as well as special guest Mike Chapman from Bluefinch Films. Together, they explore what it takes to get a film made and sold in today’s unpredictable global market. From debunking myths about foreign pre-sales to discussing how to attract investors and get your film noticed at festivals, this is an essential listen for indie filmmakers navigating the post-production and sales process. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss... The harsh realities of the current acquisitions and distribution market Why understanding distribution from the beginning helps you fund your movie The value (and limitations) of foreign pre-sales and cast attachments What sales agents look for in a pitch, and how to present a compelling deck Why comps in pitch decks can be misleading or counterproductive Navigating film festivals and markets like Cannes, Berlin, and Toronto effectively Practical tips for raising money without burning out or making costly mistakes Memorable Quotes: “Nobody knows anything in the film industry.” “Every birth is a miracle. Editors are midwives. We could really keep this metaphor going.” “You’ve got to be bold. If it just feels like a lower-budget version of something the studio’s making, they’ll just watch the studio version.” “If it is a good film, it will find a way to cut through.” Guests: Mike Chapman (Bluefinch Films) Stephen Cedars Benji Kleiman Resources: Blue Finch Film Releasing The Wolfpack Deadstream Hundreds of Beavers Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins is reporting live from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival alongside a vibrant panel of first-time attendees. Filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, and producer Lexi Tannenholtz reflect on the chaos, surprises, and serendipity of navigating Cannes for the first time. From deciphering the market to running into unexpected industry contacts, they explore the overwhelming yet exhilarating world of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. This episode is packed with practical advice for emerging filmmakers hoping to make the most of a trip to Cannes. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss... What it means to “have a movie” at Cannes and the nuances between screening, sales, and market presence How the Cannes Film Festival is actually multiple events in one—red carpets, markets, pavilions, and more The unique experience of The Marché du Film and what it teaches about global film distribution Serendipitous encounters and the power of just showing up prepared and open to connection The social dynamics of the festival and why dressing the part can be as important as showing up Tips for navigating Cannes for first-timers—from parties to planning to staying present The balance between networking and being respectful in professional interactions Memorable Quotes: "I feel like I've learned more in the last six days than I have in the last six years." "Prepare yourself for good luck.” "Don’t try to get an apple tree on day one of planting the seed." "The festival is a celebration of art, but the market is all business." Guests: Stephen Cedars Benji Kleiman Lexi Tannenholtz Resources: Goodside: Affordable housing for filmmakers at major festivals Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, joins GG Hawkins on this episode of the No Film School Podcast to discuss his journey from indie auteur to directing Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch. Camp delves into the emotional and technical challenges of maintaining character integrity, scaling up production, and bringing heart and authenticity to a beloved IP. From personal anecdotes about his early filmmaking days to deep dives into character animation and working with child actors, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers and animation fans alike. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Dean Fleischer Camp discuss... How Dean’s background in editing and indie filmmaking shaped his directorial approach The creative transition from Marcel the Shell to Lilo & Stitch Capturing the emotional depth and soul of Stitch in a live-action format The importance of involving original creators in adaptations Directing child actors and creating real interactions with animated characters The casting and character development of Nani, Lilo's sister Practical advice for emerging filmmakers navigating their first projects Memorable Quotes: “Even the most exacting director... gets like 30% of what they set out to get exactly in their mind’s eye.” “You can feed the animated Stitch through the live-action machine... but if you don’t put any care into it, it actually has the opposite effect.” “Don’t wait for permission to make something... That’s an order.” Guest: Dean Fleischer Camp Mentioned in this episode: Experience Camps Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining the conversation are Sam Dunning, a writer and director of the indie mockumentary "Can You Dig It?", and Michael Polk, a producer and writer with Lumac Productions. They dive into the essential roles that regional films and festivals play in today's shifting cinematic landscape. The duo shares insights on the self-distribution strategies and the festival circuit, highlighting how filmmakers can build hyper-local audiences. They also discuss the magic of unexpected moments on set and the importance of community involvement in indie filmmaking.

In this episode, GG Hawkins of No Film School sits down with Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of the British Film Institute (BFI), for a powerful conversation on the cultural and creative necessity of film preservation. As the BFI celebrates the 90th anniversary of its National Archive and launches its new BFI America initiative, Roberts shares deep insights into the archival process, global collaboration, and the evolving role of film as both art and artifact. From rediscovering rare prints to the vital importance of archiving even digital work, this episode offers an inspiring call to action for filmmakers and cinephiles alike. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Ben Roberts discuss... Why film preservation matters more than ever in the digital age The significance of BFI’s National Archive turning 90 Rare film prints like Jaws and Mildred Pierce hidden in BFI’s vaults How the BFI selects films for restoration and the stories behind those choices The launch of BFI America and its goals for international collaboration Practical advice for emerging filmmakers attending international markets like Cannes or Berlin Why preserving your own creative process is as important as the work itself Memorable Quotes: "The archive is full of treasures." "Just make stuff, practice, practice, practice, without feeling like this is going to be your big break." "Keep everything. Keep your emails, keep notes... One day when you're the greatest filmmaker on the planet, we will want it all." "You’ve got to think about the global industry and the global culture, because to get stuff made, there are so many ways to collaborate internationally." Resources: BFI Player Classics BFI.org.uk Sight & Sound Magazine Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins hosts a conversation with filmmakers Annapurna Sriram ("Fucktoys") and Alex Burunova ("Satisfaction"). Fresh from their South by Southwest premieres, they open up about the challenges and triumphs of making their first feature films independently. From the loneliness of directing to finding creative collaborators, the trio shares the real, raw experience of being “in the thick of it” during production and beyond. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss... Why making a first feature feels like living on an island — literally and metaphorically The emotional rollercoaster of independent filmmaking and the power of perseverance The origins of "Fucktoys" and "Satisfaction," and how personal experiences inspired the films Casting without “named talent” and the importance of authentic performances How microbudget hacks, from thrift store shopping to strategic returns, kept productions alive The importance of finding your “spiritual warriors” (aka collaborators who get it) How to carry the lessons of your first feature into your next project Memorable Quotes: “If you can see all the heartbreak ahead, I don't know that anybody would climb the mountain.” “You’re not the first person to deal with a catastrophe — every person deals with it.” “Be a scout. Be a badass. Discover undiscovered talent.” “The gap in the teeth leads to the heart. It’s all a map.” Guests: Annapurna Sriram (Director, Writer, Lead Actor of Fucktoys) Alex Burunova (Director, Writer of Satisfaction) Resources: Fucktoys on Instagram: @fucktoysthemovie Satisfaction on Instagram: @satisfactionfilm I Really Love My Husband on Instagram: @ireallylovemyhusbandmovie Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two-part episode of the No Film School Podcast, hosts GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman dive into the success of Ryan Coogler’s new original film Sinners, a box office hit that marks a significant moment for original storytelling in Hollywood. They explore Coogler’s strategic career trajectory from shorts to studio features, examining what emerging filmmakers can learn from his path. Later in the episode, GG takes us back to the 2022 Sundance Film Festival with an interview featuring director Sing J. Lee. They discuss his debut feature, The Accidental Getaway Driver, and the deeply personal journey behind its creation, from a 10-year music video career to a rapid eight-week co-writing process, and the film’s intimate portrayal of cultural duality and human connection.In this episode we discuss... The box office and cultural impact of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Coogler’s path from indie shorts to studio blockbusters The importance of building a team and sustaining collaborations Crafting and maintaining a personal voice within the studio system GG’s interview with director Sing J. Lee about his feature debut The intersection of personal history and narrative storytelling in The Accidental Getaway Driver Sing’s transition from music videos to feature filmmaking Writing and directing with emotional and cultural authenticity Memorable Quotes: "It’s been a long time since something original entered the cultural lexicon." "Artists should work on something that not only matters to them but that the world needs to hear about." "We’re looking for the vessel for where our voice might be best suited." "You’ve already done so much work, whether you know it or not." Guest:Sing J. Lee – IMDb Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Mimi Cave joins No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guest co-host Madison Lanesey for a candid conversation about her path from dance to directing, maintaining artistic vision in the studio system, and fostering a grounded and collaborative atmosphere on set. Mimi opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of filmmaking, the practical steps she takes to craft immersive visual tones, and how she cultivates trust with her actors and crew. The episode offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes processes of her features Fresh and Holland, along with valuable insights for emerging filmmakers.In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, guest co-host Madison Lanesey, and guest Mimi Cave discuss... Mimi’s creative origins in dance and how it led her into filmmaking The challenges and strategies of transitioning from indie to studio features Post-feature emotional “off-boarding” and how to manage the crash Establishing a calm and collaborative environment on set How she works with actors and tailors her directing approach to each personality Maintaining creative control within the studio system The importance of curiosity, asking questions, and embracing not knowing Building strong collaborative relationships with DPs, editors, and producers Memorable Quotes: "You get addicted to that... being needed all day is really amazing." "Take everything two days at a time... Anything after that's going to change anyways." "I walked into the set and I was like, you could hear a pin drop... it was so peaceful." "Some of the best filmmakers ever are some of the most unique, nerdy, freaky, out there people." Guest:Mimi CaveResources: Fresh – Available on Hulu Holland – Available on Amazon Prime Video Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer-director Christopher Landon joins No Film School’s GG Hawkins to discuss his newest film Drop, a sharp, suspenseful thriller starring Meghann Fahy. Known for genre-bending films like Happy Death Day, Freaky, and We Have a Ghost, Landon dives deep into his evolution as a filmmaker, how he overcame early failures, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the meticulous craft behind building tension. Landon also opens up about creating a supportive environment on set, casting with intuition, and how trusting his gut has shaped his career.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guest Christopher Landon discuss: How Christopher Landon’s love of horror movies began as a kid Early career failures and how they became pivotal learning moments Writing and selling Disturbia and joining the Paranormal Activity franchise The "feel-good horror" tone he discovered with Happy Death Day How Drop evolved from script to final film Shooting in sequence to elevate performances The importance of a supportive, no-asshole policy set How trusting his gut guides casting, shooting, and script decisions Advice for emerging filmmakers working within the studio system Memorable Quotes: "Failure is the greatest teacher." "If it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage." "Casting is the one thing where I tune everybody out. I have to know it in my marrow." "Hollywood is seductive — don't chase the shiny things." Guest:Christopher LandonResources:The 7 Best Plot Twists of All TimeFind No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram 📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices